Past Winners
The Shepherd Centre NSW Community Father of the Year
Winner 2011 - Allan Dabbagh
Allan Dabbagh was nominated by his daughter Soriah for the NSW Community Father of the Year for being a “super dad” and a “superhero” to their community.
Mr Dabbagh, a local Real Estate owner based in Wattle Grove in western Sydney, founded Locals against Graffiti and Gangs (L.A.G.G) supported his wife during her battle with breast cancer and still manages to spend quality time with his two children Aiden 20 and Soriah 18.
Mr Dabbagh established L.A.G.G three years ago as a result of a growing incidence of graffiti vandalism in Sydney. It is a community group that looks at social issues and works with local Councils, Police and Governments towards promoting a zero tolerance policy on graffiti.
Mr Dabbagh also makes a conscience effort to help those less fortunate in the community where possible by holding fundraisers or donating wheelchairs to those who are unable to afford one.
Mr Dabbagh’s daughter Soriah, nominated her father for NSW Community Father of the Year, for his continuous “courage to change things that were unjust”.
The Shepherd Centre Australian Father of the Year
Winner 2011 - Air Chief Marshal, Angus Houston, AC, AFC (Ret’d)
Air Chief Marshal retired, Angus Houston is Australia’s second longest serving Chief of the Defence Force, having served for six years.
The father of three and grandfather of two has played an integral role in the Australian Defence Force, successfully serving under two Governments.
Despite an impressive and demanding career, Air Chief Marshal Houston, has always made his family a priority and believes fatherhood is a never ending sense of fulfilment.
“All phases of fatherhood are fulfilling and rewarding. The joy of your child’s birth is followed by the wonderment of early development. The school years, with its academic and sporting challenges, are great family times. When my children became adults I enjoyed the stimulation provided by their views. And when they marry, they have children of their own. With the recent birth of my two granddaughters I have discovered the delight of being a grandfather,” said Air Chief Marshall Houston.
Air Chief Marshal Houston endeavours to follow in the footsteps of his parents, who were excellent role models. He believes that the key values he modelled for his sons are love, honesty, hard work and standing up for what you believe in.
